John Dumesny was appointed Harness Racing NSW CEO on the resignation of Sam Nati in 2014.
The CEO of the state’s controlling body talks about the 2021 edition of the Interdominion series, to be held over four exciting nights at three top class racetracks. He answers criticism of the decision to conduct two rounds of heats on regional tracks.
John talks of his upbringing in a legendary western districts trotting family. He talks of Ruby Vale Stud at Alectown, a famous breeding farm established by his grandfather William in 1943.
The administrator remembers his early experience with horses and his transition to the race driving ranks. He drove five winners in a brief career. John also looks back on his love of Rugby League and a fleeting involvement as a player.
John looks back on some of the successful stallions to stand at Ruby Vale Stud.
He remembers his first administrative role as a committee member of the Parkes Harness Racing Club. He later spent two years as President.
John pays tribute to his late father Stan who died very recently and was farewelled by a huge congregation of mourners.
He looks back on his 1988 appointment as administrator and racing manager for the NSWHRC who were then based at Harold Park. He began his new role just two weeks after Peter V’ Landys joined the club as CEO. John says Peter’s unique style of management was evident from the beginning.
Dumesny reviews several major events which took place during his time at Harold Park.
He remembers the landmark High Court decision which would bring huge revenue to the racing industry. Race Fields Legislation changed the landscape for the three racing codes.
John remembers the massive refurbishment of the Harold Park precinct which brought a new and lavish grandstand, and a total reconstruction of the iconic Glebe circuit.
He looks back on the financial stress which ultimately brought about the sale of the valuable piece of real estate to development giant Mirvac.
It’s a laid back chat with a man who’s spent his entire adult life in harness racing.
(Banner image - This one was taken shortly after John’s appointment as Racing Manager with the NSW Harness Racing Club. On John’s left is Peter V’Landys, Lindsay Nichol, Noel Simpson, and Michael Ilsley after a Harold Park win by Kyalla Fling.
John Dumesny won 5 races in a brief driving career. Here he is winning narrowly on Langus (no. 2 saddle cloth) in a 3yo event at Dubbo 1986.
John with stipendiary steward Ron Bottle at Harold Park 1991.
John Dumesny was presented with the Media Appreciation Award 2008 by Bill Ellis.
Another accolade for NSW Harness Racing CEO - John receives the Ern Manea Gold Medal from HRA Chairman Geoff Want 2016.